Biology

Dickinson biology faculty members represent all the major areas of biological research from field ecology to molecular genetics. All have active research programs, and all are strongly committed to student-faculty research so that undergraduates regularly assist in labs and collaborate on publications and conference presentations. Faculty research specialties include molecular genetics, cell biology, plant biology, animal physiology, evolution and ecology, neuroscience and the expanding field of bioinformatics.

Biology is one of the largest majors at Dickinson. Cell and molecular biology, ecology, physiology, chemical ecology, neurobiology, development, microbiology and marine biology are particular strengths, and a new emphasis is on the fast-growing field of bioinformatics and genomics.

Class sizes are small and typically include a lab or field component. Our faculty design and teach their own lab sections around projects that develop technical expertise and skill in hypothesis testing.

All biology majors complete a research experience that gives a step up in graduate and medical school admissions and future careers. Working alongside our faculty researchers or at partner institutions, students gain a personal perspective on science research. Many of these experiences lead to student presentations at professional meetings or to authorship of scientific publications.

An active internship program puts students in hospitals, labs, museums, agencies and businesses related to biology. A large fraction of Dickinson biology students include study abroad as a valuable part of the major.